OA Saints lose play-off game to Wasps

OA Saints finished a spectacular season in the most disappointing way possible, losing to Wasps by a single point and ending their promotion bid.

The Saints went through the entire Championship Two South East season unbeaten, winning 14 games and scoring 440 points.

They couldn’t get over the final hurdle, losing 23-22 to Wasps Ladies second XV, and will spend another season in the division they dominated.

It started so well for OAs when Sophie Tyler burst over the line for an early try. Wasps hit back with 13 unanswered points to lead at half-time but Saints were still very much in the game.

Claire McKenna put the team on her back in the second half, crossing the line three times after good work from Bethan Jones, Nicky Cameron and Katie Robertson to put Saints 22-20 in front.

Wasps had a final dagger for OAs. They kicked a penalty with three minutes left and held on to secure their promotion.

• OA Saints are always looking for more players and would be happy to welcome women over the age of 18 to training to give rugby a try. No experience is necessary. See www.oasport.com for details. The club also offers rugby for 12-18 year old girls, with our U13, U15 and U18 sides run by Craig Ihlenfeldt and our world-cup-winning ex-Saint, Jane Everett.